When most people think of beaches in Uluwatu, Padang Padang Beach is the first beach that springs to mind. And for good reason — it’s stunning, one of the best surf spots in Bali, and absolutely worth the hype! But just a short scooter ride away, there is another dreamy gem beach that deserves a spot on your Bali itinerary! And that’s Thomas Beach — a beautiful 200m patch of soft sand flanked by lush hills and pretty blue water.
If you feel like venturing out to one of Bali’s best-kept secret beaches, then here’s everything you need to know about visiting Thomas Beach in Uluwatu.
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Thomas Beach Tips & Essentials
Before we dive into this beach guide, here are a few tips and essentials to make the most of your visit to this dreamy beach.
- Unlike many of Uluwatu’s famous beaches, like Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang, there is no entrance fee to access Thomas Beach.
- There are quite a few stairs to climb to get to Thomas Beach. While there are not nearly as many as at Bingin Beach, it’s probably not the best place to go if you have mobility issues.
- Bring cash. If you plan to spend a few hours here, you’ll want a sunbed and umbrella. The daily rental rate for an umbrella and two sun loungers is IDR 100,000.
- A couple of vendors sell clothes and sarongs on the beach, but bringing all your fave beach gear (cap, shades, sunscreen, and a quick-drying Turkish towel) along is a good idea. Check out my Bali packing list for more tips on what to bring on your trip.
How to Get to Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is located in southern Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. It’s close to many of Uluwatu’s best attractions, like Padang Padang Beach and the famous Uluwatu Temple.
The most straightforward way to get to Thomas Beach is to self-drive. Scooter rentals are cheap and plentiful in Bali, but note that you’ll need a valid International Driver’s License specifically for a scooter to rent one. We rented a scooter from our hotel for IDR 100,000 a day. Before renting a scooter, though, you should know that driving in Bali is quite intense. Traffic rules are often ignored, and roadblocks aren’t uncommon. Therefore, I would only recommend renting a scooter here if you are used to driving in Asia.
We used Google Maps to navigate our way to Thomas Beach, and it was pretty easy to find. Coming from Padang Padang, drive west along Jl. Labuansait for about 5 minutes. No sign indicates Thomas Beach, so look out for the big blue ‘Welcome to Padang Padang Beach‘ sign (confusing, I know) next to the road or Suka Expresso, directly opposite the entrance.
There’s no real parking area here, but you can park your scooter anywhere on the dirt patch that runs along the paved walkway. Once you’ve parked, follow the walkway down to the small warung, where you’ll spot concrete steps leading down to the beach. It’s a 5-minute walk to the beach from there.
If self-driving is not for you, other options to get here are to hire a private driver for the day or use a ride-sharing app like GoJek or Grab. If you’re already in Uluwatu, another option is to walk. Thomas Beach is only a 25-minute walk from Padang Padang Beach and 40 minutes from Uluwatu Temple.
What to Do at Thomas Beach
The best things to do at Thomas Beach are simply to kick back on the beach, relax, and take a couple of dips in the ocean. While the beach is not the biggest, there is enough space to find your own patch of soft sand. If you’re going to spend a few hours here, it’s worth renting an umbrella and a sun lounger.
Besides a few rocks on the southern edge of the beach, there’s little shade here. And trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting sunburnt on your dream Bali vacay! If you want to secure an umbrella and some sun loungers, it’s best to come a bit earlier before the die-hard beachgoers arrive. An umbrella and two loungers generally cost IDR 100,000 for the day.
If baking in the sun all day is too low-key for you, Thomas Beach is also a great place to surf. You’ll find a couple of surf shacks right on the beach where you can rent a surfboard or even get a surfing lesson. A 1-hour surf lesson will set you back IDR 300,000, while board rentals are available at IDR 50,000 per hour.
Many vendors also sell all kinds of knick-knacks along the beach, like cute dresses, t-shirts, caps, bags, sarongs, and handmade bracelets. And most of them can organize an ice-cold Bintang for you right on the beach. However, if you prefer a cocktail or a bite to eat, pop into Thomas Warung, Rocky Warung or Ari Homestay & Café.
Other Things to do near Thomas Beach
- Uluwatu is peppered with dreamy white sand beaches, so definitely make time to see more of them. Both Padang Pandang Beach and Suluban Beach (aka Blue Point) are nearby and worth a visit. Don’t feel like planning a thing? Join this day tour to Bali’s top southern beaches.
- Visit Bali’s most popular sunset spot, Uluwatu Temple, and watch a Kecak dance performance. Just watch out for the macaques! They’re everywhere and quite cheeky! (Book a Uluwatu sunset tour with Kecak dance)
- Spend a few hours poolside at one of Uluwatu’s dreamy beach clubs, like Ulu Cliffhouse and Single Fin Bali.
- Go paragliding or zip around Uluwatu on this VW Safari Tour. Alternatively, check out Bali’s newest must-see attraction, Garuda Wisnu Kencana.
Where to Stay
There are so many gorgeous places to stay in Uluwatu, catering to all kinds of budgets and traveling styles. Here are my top picks near Thomas Beach.
- Luxe: If you’re ready to splurge on your dream Bali vacay, you can’t go wrong with The Asa Maia. Located mere steps from Thomas Beach, this 5-star boutique resort features gorgeous rustic chic suites, glistening pools, and a dreamy spa.
- Mid-range: If you’re into boho chic vibes, check in to the super laidback Dreamsea Bali. This gorgeous cliffside hotel sports beautifully decorated rooms overlooking the ocean and offers yoga, dining, and a tiki bar to satisfy all your smoothie (or boozy cocktail) needs.
- Budget: The Room in Padang Padang is the perfect choice if you’re looking for style and comfort at a more affordable price. Located just a few steps from Padang Padang Beach, this hotel is a serene oasis right in the hustle of Uluwatu. It features clean, minimalistic rooms with Balinese touches overlooking a glistening pool and lush gardens. Don’t miss the breakfast – it’s heavenly!
Still need a few more options? Search Bali’s best hotel deals here on Booking.com or Agoda.
When to Visit
Bali has a tropical climate, so it’s hot and muggy most days. The island is at its best from April to September, when you’ll experience the least rain and beautifully sunny days. July to August is the peak tourist season but prepare for the heat and humidity. Make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun with a high-SPF sunscreen. (This Sun Bum SPF 50 spray is my fave.)
As for when is the best time to come to Thomas Beach, well, the answer is any time! Since Thomas Beach is still a relatively hidden gem, you don’t need to worry too much about crowds. However, coming before 11 am to secure a sun lounger and umbrella is always a good idea. While the waves at Thomas Beach are never as wild as other Uluwatu beaches, it’s wise to check the tide schedule before you go. Since most rocks are exposed during low tide, it might not be the best swimming experience unless you simply plan to splash around in a rock pool.
If you can, stick around until sunset. That way, you can catch the famous Uluwatu sunset and see what all the fuss is about for yourself!
Pantai Thomas in Conclusion
Thomas Beach is undoubtedly one of the best-hidden gems in Uluwatu, Bali. With its gorgeous views, tranquil water, sugar white sand, and laid-back vibe, it is the perfect spot to spend a few hours beach bumming.
Well, that’s all I have on visiting Thomas Beach in Uluwatu! Do you have any other tips for visiting this dreamy secret beach in Bali? Let me know in the comments below!
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